The trial, which has now been completed, ran on the Beijing Bus network and is now set to be rolled out commercially, though exact timing has not been specified. The service will also be expanded to the metro, airports, schools and other locations.

To use the service, subscribers with an NFC handset need an NFC SIM card, available from the carrier’s stores, and to download the network’s mobile wallet app. After linking a bank account, the customer can make mobile payments at participating merchants equipped with UnionPay Quick Pass contactless POS terminals.

China Mobile currently offers several NFC phones including the HTC One, Samsung Galaxy S III and Galaxy S4 and models from Huawei and ZTE, the report adds. The operator expects to offer a range of 20 NFC handsets by September.